Molly Too and Sonia Natasha Nair

Breaking Barriers & Celebrate Breakthrough

Molly Too:

As we plod along our life journey, we do encounter barriers; some are manageable with a little push while some require a think-through and attention. If we do not push through on overcoming barriers, will have stand-still outcomes. A stand-still outcome through comfort, does not invoke the challenger spirit within nor stretch your potential. Breaking barriers need guts with no fear and the spirit of always being ready to stand-up again. Break barriers with 2 core values of ‘Respect’ and ‘Accountability’.

What are my “IF NOT”
If I had not spoken for many of my colleagues pressurised by the authoritative leadership in the mid-1970s, I would not be elected as the “voice of workers” when I was 21 years old. If I had not persevered and convinced my male counterparts of my contributions, I would not be the first female to be elected as an office-bearer. If I had not raised concerns and advocated women issues, I would not have had exposure in international forums and conferences; championing women’s rights, and elected as the VP of Asia Pacific. If I had not broken through the barriers, I would not be what I am today.

One pertinent barrier is adapting to changes in work structure and working with a younger workforce, which are uncontrollable with the evolving changing environment. Will have to value-add on your strengths and adjust to the momentum. Such breakthrough requires positivity and painstaking guts to work and re-worked.

Now is the age of digitalisation and it’s going to be the same for business. What should we do to stay relevant and have pride in self. Age is not a factor and is a matter of the mind. Overcome this barrier with new skills and always be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn. Find meaning in the doing and I did it by being part of the “Seniors Go Digital” programme.

I do hope you find meaning in reading my living legacy. It is simply “Be brave to overcome barriers” and emerge stronger; Do not stay away but confront it. You will achieve more and do remember to celebrate the breakthrough, which could be an inner self-assurance “I did it!” and “I did it again”, “I made a difference!”

Sonia Natasha Nair:

I went through the Poly Foundation Programme (PFP) as I was in the top 10% of the total N-level students in the year 2014, this meant that I was able to do my diploma without an O-levels certification. Back then, many doubted this pathway and always thought it would be hard getting into a university without an O-levels certificate. But I was confident and adventurous in exploring different pathways, I am carrying this sense of adventure with me in grassroots as I will explain later on. 

In 2018, I proved all my doubters wrong and I attained a position in NUS where I am currently majoring in sociology. Sociology sparked my interest as it tackled social behaviours at large, I gradually formed an interest in the government and the people. I wanted to understand the stories of the people, to know the people, to recognise their strengths as well as their challenges.

Therefore, I decided to volunteer on the ground rather than merely reading about these very people in research papers prescribed by my university. I wanted to understand the gaps in society and be able to serve the community better. It was then that I started my volunteering journey at the Residents’ Network (RN).

It was an enriching experience volunteering at the RN, I got to handle groceries and also make meaningful connections with individuals like the isolated elderly. I had to overcome challenges when planning activities for the community, but it was all worth it when I saw the beaming faces of the residents.

In 2019, I was in charge of the art booth for the lantern festival, I mobilised my strengths in arts and crafts and shared it with the residents, my booth was a complete hit! The residents really enjoyed designing their own lanterns and my booth was the first one to run out of items due to its popularity. I also dressed up as a female Santa and handed out presents to the residents, many children were so excited to receive these gifts, it was truly a heartwarming experience.

Soon later, I was invited to join Marsiling Youth Network (MYN) and was elected as Vice-Chairperson. I joined MYN during COVID-19 period. This period really tested my willpower and resilience and has been a growing experience for not only myself but for my committee members as well.

We adapted quickly during these times and my spirit of adventure as always never waned. I was motivated to see the change I could make during harder periods. I always embraced the challenges that came my way. Every month, we brought groceries to welfare residents and also engaged with them by making them laugh and smile. MYN members also helped to organise bursary events for Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary students.

We Youth also look out for Youth. It is important for youth like probationers to know that they matter and are NO DIFFERENT from anyone of us. We are all part of the generation after all. Therefore, we created Marsiling Mavericks, a Community Leadership Journey for probationers, in collaboration with MSF, who trained us as Volunteer Probationer Officers. It is important for Youth to know that they have a strong supportive network.

During COVID-19, I became increasingly introspective and aware of my carbon footprint. I have always loved nature and animals and felt that many were not concerned about the Climate CRISIS. I felt like I was not doing enough to spread the ideas of sustainable living. Once again, I utilised my passions in the environment and channeled it into Marsiling Greenies, a small group within MYN that advocates for more green and sustainable practices for Marsiling residents to adopt. I am currently working with partners like NEA and North-WEst CDC for green initiatives, I recently co-organised a sustainability Forum with North-West CDC. These experiences build character. I do want to make more significant changes in society, making strong and lasting impacts within my community and eventually, Singapore at large.

It is just the beginning of my legacy and I am excited to see the adventure ahead!